Level Requirements For Google Play Apps & Linden Lab Responds
As of 31st August 2024 Google has introduced new Target API level requirements for Google Play apps. Basically the new requirements say that “New apps and app updates must target Android 14 (API level 34) to be submitted to Google Play (except for Wear OS and Android TV apps, which must target Android 13 or higher)“.
“Existing apps must target Android 13 (API level 33) or higher to remain available to new users on devices running Android OS higher than your app’s target API level. Apps that target Android 12 (API level 31) or lower ( Android 10 or lower for Wear OS and Android 11 or lower for TV OS), will only be available on devices running Android OS that are the same or lower than your apps’ target API level.“
For anyone requesting extensions then you should read this below…
“You will be able to request an extension to November 1, 2024 if you need more time to update your app. You’ll be able to access your app’s extension forms in Play Console later this year“.
Second Life Mobile Future – September 2024 Update
Linden Lab have responded to the new Target API Level Requirements For Google Play Apps by saying this on Friday 6th September 2024 via the Second Life Feedback Portal.
Grumpity Linden
“Good news and bad news. Let me start with the bad news: the specific language we are complying with is “New apps and app updates must target Android 14 (API level 34) to be submitted to Google Play (except for Wear OS and Android TV apps, which must target Android 13 or higher).“
It’s the “app updates” part that requires us to target Android 14+.
Now for the good news! We’re looking into distributing an APK that targets older Android versions from our download page – we will update the feedback portal with instructions once we sort that out.
Summary
I think these latest Google Play app changes are going to cause further problems and possible delays for the short term future of Second Life mobile on Android.
The lab will now need target new Second Life mobile app updates towards Android 14 (API level 34) to be submitted to Google Play for review etc. The lab will need to keep adjusting to upcoming new Android versions like Android 15 (late 2024) and Android 16 due to launch sometime in 2025.
For older Android versions the lab have now officially confirmed they are looking into distributing APKs that will target older Android versions from the download page. There is always risk downloading APKs for any app and it might not feel safe doing this for alot of mobile users.
The lab are due to launch Second Life mobile to the public (free for everyone) soon so it will be interesting to see how these new API changes impact those using older Android versions.
Earlier this year the lab had problems with IOS mobile users trying to access adult regions etc. The lab are still looking at this issue.
The lab will be giving out instructions and updates very soon to address this major change.